YPAR Research Cycle

The YPAR Research Cycle is designed to support students and educators in the research process.

YPAR research cycle is broken down into 4 phases (Ozer et al., 2015) to help guide research collaborators in a school-based YPAR (SchYPAR) experience. Phase 1: Identify an Issue introduces the process of action-based and collaborative research with youth in schools. Phase 2: Collect Data guides collaborators in the data collection process. Phase 3: Analyze Data provides guidelines and techniques for data analysis. Phase 4: Take Action supports collaborators in their application of the research findings. Each phase is sequenced into steps and sessions to help you personalize the lessons to your research setting. And you will find links to lesson plans, handouts, and powerpoints in each YPAR session (Please note: if you don’t find a resource it is because we are working on it).

The Four YPAR Phases

  • Phase 1. Identify an Issue

    Phase 1 introduces YPAR within schools and the importance of power-sharing roles between teachers and students. Central to phase 1 is identifying a school and community issue, asking: What are the most critical issues in our school? What about this issue needs to change? What are the goals for addressing the issue?

    Identify an Issue

  • Phase 2: Collect Data

    Phase 2 guides the data collection by breaking down quantitative and qualitative research methods. This phase asks: What information might one need to address the issue? Whose perspectives will help understand the problem better? How will the information be obtained? What research methods work best to address the problem?

    Collect Data

  • Phase 3: Analyze Data

    Phase 3 will provide guidelines and techniques for analyzing data needed to take action in YPAR. Questions guiding phase 3 include: What has been learned? What are the major trends or themes that the data shows? What reflections and evaluations are needed to take action?

    Analyze Data

  • Phase 4: Take Action

    It’s time to take action! Phase 4 supports collaborators to take what was learned from the research to create change within schools and communities. In Phase 4, collaborators will brainstorm recommendations based on the research findings, reflect on advocates to support the project, and figure out how the research can be shared with others.

    Take Action